The main card of Strikeforce’s November event on CBS has a series of intriguing matches that will showcase talented fighters from around the world. In addition to Fedor Emelianenko’s bout with Brett Rogers, the talented Jake Shields meets the game Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller, while Gerard Mousasi, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Fabricio Werdum, and Antonio Silva feature as well. The Strikeforce promotion out of San Jose, California continues to bring exciting and relevant MMA matchups to a wider audience.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers Analysis
Fedor ‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko (30 Wins – 1 Loss) looks to continue his dominance of the heavyweight division in MMA while relative new comer Brett Rogers (10 Wins – 0 Losses) looks for another upset win. Rogers is physically larger than Fedor and has finished all of his opponents through strikes including a quick dispatch of former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski. Fedor has fought dangerous strikers in Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Hunt as well as larger opponents such as Hong Man Choi before having competed at a world class level for several years.
Rogers has a puncher’s chance of winning. His size and physicality make him a dangerous opponent, but Fedor’s experience and skill should carry him to victory. Furthermore, Fedor has the experience of fighting for big events having headlined for both Pride and Affliction. Look for Rogers to keep his distance to punching range. Fedor will feel free to strike but will eventually settle for tripping Rogers to the mat from the clinch and pursuing a submission victory.
Jake Shields vs. Jason “Mayhem” Miller
Submission wizard Jake Shields (23 Wins – 4 Losses – 1 Draw) meets Jason “Mayhem” Miller it what could be the fight of the night. Having dispatched the dangerous striker Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields looks to solidify his reputation as a top welterweight. Mayhem, who hosts MTV’s Bully Beatdown, brings a well – rounded fight game to the table. Both are solid fighters which should make a competitive bout.
Shields is known for his Brazilian Jiu – Jitsu foundation which he has employed to submit several opponents. However, his stand – up is seen as a gap and Mayhem Miller possesses a stronger striking game. Mayhem is also submission savvy and it will be difficult for Shields to work his game if Mayhem can establish top control on the ground. Look for Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller to take a decision victory based on effective striking and wrestling.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Originally slated to appear as a part of the Dream promotion’s Super Hulk tournament, Mousasi (26 Wins – 2 Losses – 1 Draw) and Sokoudjou (7 Wins – 4 Losses) finally meet. Sokoudjou made his reputation as a dangerous striker, but was exposed as relatively inexperienced in later fights. He has since aligned with the wrestling based Team Quest fight team in order to improve his fight game. Mousasi has competed in K-1 kickboxing and is a multi-dimensional fighter equally dangerous on his feet or on the ground.
Mousasi made an impressive debut in Strikeforce completely dominating the dangerous Renato “Babalu” Sobral. He also has victories over strong strikers such as Melvin Manhoef. Sokoudjou is an able striker, but his style will have no surprises for Mousasi. His best chance to win remains utilizing crisp striking in which Mousasi is superior. Look for Mousasi to dominate the striking before finishing Sokoudjou on the ground through strikes.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Silva
A clash of giants rounds out the main card as Brazilian Jiu – Jitsu stylist and UFC veteran Fabricio Werdum (12 Wins – 4 Losses – 1 Draw) meets the larger Antonio Silva (13 Wins – 1 Loss) in a battle of Brazilians. Werdum has faced many top competitors and currently trains with Chute Boxe which has produced champions such as Wanderlei Silva. Antonio Silva has also managed to defeat credible opposition. He will use his size and striking to keep Werdum at bay, while Fabricio Werdum takes the fight to the ground for a submission victory.
Strikeforce on CBS
The preliminary fights feature tough fighters as well including a women’s MMA bout with Erin Toughill. The highlight of the event will be the Shields – Miller matchup along with Fedor’s return to the cage. Look for these fighters to take victory:
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers – Fedor via Submission
Jake Shields vs. Jason “Mayhem” Miller – Miller via Decision
Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou – Mousasi via Strikes on the ground
Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Silva – Werdum via Submission
Strike force will air on November 7, 2009 on CBS from Chicago.
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